Human virome

The human virome is the collection of all the viruses in the human body. Viruses are the most abundant infectious agents on the planet. These include viruses that cause acute self-limiting or uncontrolled infections, persistent and chronic infections that may or may not be asymptomatic, or latent infections, they also include viruses that are integrated in the human genome. Humans are constantly exposed to a variety of viruses that are genetically diverse and have new genotypes, strains and species that evolve rapidly. Every human being has a unique virome with a unique balance of species that can change quickly. Lifestyle, age, geographic location, and even the season of the year affects an individual's exposure to viruses; while their susceptibility to disease is effected by preexisting immunity and both viral and human genetics. The first virus that was discovered was the Tobacco mosaic virus in 1892 and viruses are still being discovered today. With today's technological advances, more viruses are rapidly being discovered in the environment and within the human body.